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pretzelb · 11-10-2009, 11:57 AM

Is there any issue with using a square cooler for a MLT as opposed to the rectangular ones? I was thinking of something like this Igloo because it would also work as a swamp cooler for fermentation. I assume that 60qt is plenty for typical 5g batches. I would add a mash boil screen at the bottom and hope to do batch sparging.

JesseRC · 11-10-2009, 12:14 PM

I use the same one, but the 50qt version. I think it works exceptionally well. +1 if you can use it for another use. I think it might be perfect for 5/10g batches. Once you do a 10g batch, you'll realize its such a better payoff. In my 50qt, I'm realizing that if I am going to do 10g high gravity beers, I might have to do a thicker than normal mash.

heywolfie1015 · 11-10-2009, 01:35 PM

I have a similar cooler and used it as a swamp cooler for my previous two batches. Just converted it to a MLT this weekend and did my first AG. Worked perfectly.

There is a DIY thread in the Equipment board on converting one of these. I think the thread title mentioned either "Ice Cube" or "IceCube." Good luck!

EDIT: Here is the thread.

jaxn · 11-10-2009, 01:53 PM

I just got one of these and am going to use it on my first AG batch this weekend. Seems like it will be a good MLT.

**IrregularPulse** · 11-10-2009, 01:55 PM

I use the wheel-less 50QT cube for my mash tun. Works great for 5 G and mild OG 10G brewing. Maybe loses 1° over the hour.

**azscoob** · 11-10-2009, 02:55 PM

I also use the 50qt icecube, I filled the lid with great stuff, I lose 1 degree at most in 1 hour, 1.5 degrees in a 90 minute mash. 10 gal batches get pretty tight volumewise, but for 5 gal batches I love it, and 19 dollar price at target makes it very appealing!

heywolfie1015 · 11-10-2009, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azscoob

I filled the lid with great stuff

What did you use? I lost a few degrees in my mash and would love to insulate the lid.

**azscoob** · 11-10-2009, 05:39 PM

its called "great stuff" its an expanding foam in a can, I covered the lid with masking tape then drilled several holes around the lid from the top, then shot the foam into the holes, it expands and fills the lid, the excess oozes out of the holes and onto the tape, when dry I razor bladed off the excess from the holes and removed the tape, came out clean, with no mess on the lid just the foam flush with the lid.

michaeltrego · 11-10-2009, 06:10 PM

I also recently bought two of the 50 quart Igloo cubes at Target for $19 each. One is my new HLT and one is my new MT. Hand assembled bulkhead fittings and copper manifold. I was really happy with their inaugural brew session last month. 5 gallon batch of Imperial IPA came out fantastic. As others reported, I only lost about 1 degree in an hour. I'll post some pictures once I get past the forum posting threshold.

pretzelb · 11-10-2009, 06:15 PM

Good info everyone. I guess I was wondering if the shape was a drawback since seems like not many people use it. I also was curious if it being too large was an issue (sounds like it's not).

How hard is it to remove the valve or put back the stock valve? If I'm going to get a dual use of the cooler, I'd need to remove the mashing parts to let it be a swamp cooler. I assume that if I did this often the seal would eventually get looser. Or do you remove those valve parts each time for cleaning?